Setting goals and establishing a control locus, time management, and conflict resolution and effective communication are some of the examples of the techniques, strategies and suggestions that have been covered in this semester’s learning curricular. Even though the content of what has been covered goes way beyond just these three, they have been specifically identified as the most related to the personal college and academic experience, as well as for having the most direct ramifications when incorporated into daily life from an individual perspective. The three, despite having been covered as course content material, are directly applicable to diverse aspects of daily life and as a result, their practical usefulness supersedes their theoretical presentation as course content. The rest of this paper will therefore discuss ways in which the three examples have influenced personal college and academic experience with the use of illustrations where appropriate.
Setting goals and establishing a control locus was covered as a class topic. The necessity to clearly articulate the purpose of engagement in any activity, as well as establishing frameworks for their planning, engagement and execution was stressed. In addition, the creation of benchmarks to check the progress of engagement in activities and the demarcation of a control locus in order to encourage responsible behavior was also discussed. These are important techniques, strategies and suggestions that can significantly aid in the undertaking of assigned duties and responsibilities at the workplace. However, they are also immensely useful at a personal level. This is because they have massively informed the necessity to clearly articulate targets at the start of engagement in any activity, as well as to monitor the progress made towards achieving them. The necessity to establish a control locus has highlighted the need to be realistic with the responsibilities undertaken and to also take personal responsibility in ensuring their completion. An example from personal perspective is that the goal setting strategies discussed in class having enabled the refining of the measures previously put in place to ensure improvement of grades at the end of the semester. These measures aided in the identification of unrealistic goals and their redefinition.

The necessity to establish a time vs activity balance in order to allocate adequate time for important activities such as studying, completing assignments and still be able to participate in sports and recreational activities within college is also another personal example of how course material has been applied outside class. Coverage of the topic aided in the identification of time management as the common denominator in reorganizing personal life to successfully strike a balance between studying, sports and recreation. Previously, the necessity to do so had been taken for granted, despite having problems in balancing personal time spent on these various activities. Coverage of this course content helped in focusing the spotlight on the problem and provided means of tackling it.

Finally, strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution were discussed in class. These are skills that have been identified as being indispensable in today’s workplace environment. They aid in ensuring a common vision is shared between the employee and the organization, resolution of disagreements and positive engagement in team activities, and the embodiment of a positive public image that reflects the values and beliefs of the organization under which one is employed. From a personal perspective however, these strategies highlighted the need to ensure positive self-presentation and successful engagement of discussions where different and even opposing views are held. The importance of clear articulation of points and encouraging mutual participation in conversations in order to forestall conflicts was particularly identified as important strategies to apply in personal engagements.

In conclusion, the course content covered this semester has been generally very useful in terms of preparation of students for future professional roles in the workplace environment. However, the usefulness of the content covered in personal and daily life has also been identified. The three examples covered illustrate the usefulness of the course content in enriching personal life. Important lessons were however learned in all the topics covered.